About
Dr. Alison Dawn Laws is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Calgary and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Calgary, AB, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). She has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. She performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. The practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Laws graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from McMaster University in 2014. She holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and has completed extensive post-graduate training. She possesses the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta, ensuring her compliance with provincial standards and best practices.
Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Laws utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, offering surgical consultations and care in English for patients in Calgary.
Dr. Alison Laws provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Laws addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): Surgical intervention for severe or persistent bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract that is not controllable by endoscopic means.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Laws addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Surgical resection of tumors in the colon or rectum, often the primary treatment for localized disease.
- Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Alison Laws is necessary.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
Note: This list provides an overview of common surgical areas. Specific procedures and treatment plans are determined on an individual basis after consultation with Dr. Laws.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Laws practices primarily at a surgical clinic located in Calgary's NW neighbourhoods, including Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington). The clinic is conveniently situated near Calgary's vibrant downtown core, with easy access to public transportation options such as the Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients will find convenient parking options nearby, including accessible parking, making visits straightforward and comfortable.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Laws?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Laws is usually made by your family doctor or another specialist when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical evaluation or treatment. This could include persistent abdominal pain, a new lump or mass (e.g., in the breast or skin), symptoms of gallbladder disease, a hernia, signs of appendicitis, or concerns about colorectal conditions. They also manage conditions initially identified through screening, like colon polyps or early-stage breast cancer.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Laws?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Laws is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Laws will discuss the expected recovery process, including hospital stay (if any), return to work, and activity restrictions, as part of your pre-operative consultation and post-operative care plan.
- Does Dr. Laws perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Laws to offer minimally invasive surgical options, including laparoscopic procedures. This approach can lead to benefits like reduced pain and quicker recovery times for many common surgeries. The suitability of laparoscopic surgery depends on the specific medical condition and individual patient factors, which Dr. Laws would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Laws ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Laws may develop particular areas of interest or pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties. These can include areas like colorectal surgery, breast surgery, endocrine surgery, surgical oncology (cancer surgery), trauma/critical care surgery, vascular surgery, or pediatric surgery. If Dr. Laws has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Laws perform?
- Dr. Laws, a General Surgeon, performs a wide range of surgeries. These frequently involve organs in the abdomen, such as the gallbladder, appendix, stomach, and intestines. They also address hernias, conditions of the breast, thyroid gland, and skin/soft tissue masses. Depending on the condition and patient, Dr. Laws may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9
Clinic Phone: (403) 944-1224
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Laws is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Laws for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Laws's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=7035e1eb-066f-411c-803a-4482bf5f560d&i=828